Warwickshire sign quartet to new contracts

Warwickshire have announced that promising batsman Rob Yates has been awarded his first professional contract, just a week after hitting his maiden first-class hundred

Warwickshire have announced that promising batsman Rob Yates has been awarded his first professional contract, just a week after hitting his maiden first-class hundred.

19-year-old Yates, a Warwick School product, struck 141 in the first innings against Somerset at Edgbaston - a knock that ultimately would be in vain from a result perspective as the visitors secured a five-wicket victory.

The batsman has scored 547 Championship runs at 30.39, with two fifties to go with that maiden hundred in 10 matches this summer.

20-year-old fast bowler George Furrer has been awarded a two-year professional contract after impressing for the 2nd XI.

Elsewhere the club have handed rookie contracts to fast bowler George Garrett - who made his first-class debut in the aforementioned fixture against Somerset - and allrounder Ethan Brookes.

Garrett signs a one-year deal which the club says is set to work around the player's commitments as a student at the University of Birmingham.

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Brookes - younger brother of Warwickshire's Henry - has put pen to paper on a two-year contract.

Warwickshire’s sport director Paul Farbrace praised the club's pathway.

"To see four players promoted from our Academy to professional contracts in a year – with Dan Mousley being the addition – demonstrates the great work that has recently been undertaken in our pathway," he said.

"We’ve committed to giving all academy members a good opportunity in our Second XI this season and we’ve seen some great results. George Garrett in particular has bowled superbly and thoroughly deserved his chance to step up to the first team this week.

"Rob has also grasped his opportunity in the first team with both hands. He has excellent character and I expect his century last week to be the first of many that we see from him in a Warwickshire shirt.

"It’s also really pleasing to discover a young player like George Furrer, who has good pace and has also bowled well, alongside Ethan in the Second XI.

"All four players have great potential and can form a key part of Warwickshire and Birmingham Bears teams for many years to come."

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